An evening with the Strauss family

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AN EVENING of glamour awaits Aberdeen as the Music Hall hosts the Viennese Ball this weekend.

Soprano Moira Docherty will perform alongside the Aberdeen Sinfonietta in an evening dedicated to the music of the Strauss family, with a selection of works including the Blue Danube, The Emperor Waltz and the stirring Radetzky March.

For Moira, the classic connotations of the Viennese Ball are what sparked her interest in singing.

“I didn’t start singing until I was in my 20s, and now Viennese Balls are some of my favourite events,” she said.

“I played piano at school, but I didn’t really enjoy it, and instead used to try and get solos in school plays. When I moved to Aberdeen in 1991, I continued taking singing lessons at the North East Music School on Huntly Street. I still attend lessons, and I’ve worked through so many genres including operetta, but performing to Strauss has always been a love of mine. Singing is something I’ve always longed to do, and I’m very lucky to be able to perform at such a fantastic event.”

Moira has performed at a number of Viennese Balls and as well as the beautiful music, she says the outfits are always a highlight.

“Everyone has an idea of a Viennese Ball in their mind from seeing the grand event in Austria where you see socialites in fantastic dresses and suits and I think it really helps create an amazing atmosphere, no matter where you are,” she said.

“Last year, I performed in a production of the Merry Widow in Tayside, and I had to have a costume made for it, so I may wear that in Aberdeen. It’s completely over the top and has a gorgeous train. I’m still toying with a couple of ideas. People love dressing up for the ball, with feathers and beads. I’m hoping the crowd at the Music Hall dress up, and get into the spirit of things.

“I think these events are a great way for people to experience a taster of what the original Viennese Ball was like, and you know you’re going to have a great night.”

Moira will be accompanied by Aberdeen Sinfonietta, who she says bring the music of the Strauss family to life.

“The Sinfonietta have a wonderful selection of romantic music and it just sounds so fantastic live,” she said.

“It’s great to sing with such a talented orchestra. I don’t think Aberdonians appreciate just how good the Sinfonietta are. The Strauss music is beautiful; I think everyone can relate to it. I think, above all, it touches everyone, and everyone can see how wonderful the melodies and stories are in Strauss music.

“They’ll be surprised, too, when they realise how much of the music they recognise. From my point of view, it’s nice to see people really enjoying themselves, and it’s a different night out for the festive season.”

The Viennese Ball, featuring Aberdeen Sinfonietta, Moira Docherty and The Iain Milne Band, takes place at the Music Hall, Aberdeen, on Saturday. Tickets cost £45 and include a buffet supper at the interval. For more information call 01224 641122 or visit www.boxofficeaberdeen.com